Aloe vera is also cooling, so it can help alleviate any irritation you’re feeling from your sunburn. Avoid using thick ointments, like petroleum jelly, if you have a sunburn. Thick ointments don’t let your skin breathe, and they can make burns hurt worse. [3] X Research source

If your skin gets more swollen or starts leaking pus, that’s a sign of infection. Talk to your doctor right away if you have any concerns.

Pain relievers also help reduce any redness around your peeling skin. Never give aspirin to a child unless specifically told to by a doctor. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome in children, which can be fatal. [6] X Research source

Don’t love the taste of plain water? Try a flavored seltzer or sparkling water. Or, grab a sports drink to get electrolytes while staying hydrated.

Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to keep it in great shape.

When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it. Rubbing your skin with a towel can irritate your peeling skin even more. After you dry off, moisturize your skin. You can lock in the water from your shower for deep hydration.

Aim to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to prevent further peeling and sunburn. When your skin is peeling from a sunburn, it’s extra important to protect yourself from the sun. UV rays can make a sunburn much worse, especially if your skin hasn’t fully healed yet.

Using an exfoliant on a sunburn can make the burn worse and actually extend the healing process.

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